Governor Declares State Of Emergency For Grand Rapids

Governor Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for the City of Grand Rapids. The Grand Rapids area has experienced widespread power outages and may still experience many areas of flooding. Tens of thousands remain without power as of Saturday evening, when Gov. Whitmer issued the executive order shortly after 8:00 p.m. Saturday. Doing so now allows all state resources to be available for the city for response and recovery efforts.

The City of Grand Rapids declared a local state of emergency after local officials recognized they had insufficient resources to handle the magnitude of response efforts needed. The state declaration will allow a swifter response for recovery efforts.

Warming centers have been opened across the city and some animal shelters have offered free boarding for pets to allow those without power to seek shelter with less worry. Consumers Energy has also offered vouchers for those without power to go to some movie theaters.